360° Coverage: Barack Obama declines arm wrestling challenge

Barack Obama declines arm wrestling challenge

Doesn't want repeat of last election's bowling incident

President Obama is on a whirlwind tour around the country to earn as many votes as possible in the impending November election, but apparently there is one thing he won't do to try to get someone's vote.

At a campaign stop in a bar in Amherst, Ohio, Obama was challenged by a patron by the name of Jeff Hawks. Hawks told the president, "I'll arms-wrestle you for your vote."

Obama's blunt response was quoted to be, "No."

However, trying to remain funny and endearing, he added, "I'll play basketball for your vote." Hawks did not accept the counter offer.

Anyone who paid attention to Obama's original run for the presidency four years ago will recall that he tried to endear himself to the common man by playing a round of bowling. That didn't go over very well.

So the idea of him arm wrestling someone could have been equally embarrassing. For Obama, though, appearances on the campaign trail are not what this election will be about.

Unlike in 2008, he won't be able to win because of his smile and photogenic appearance. Expect stories like this one to be widely overshadowed by discussions of the issues as the next few months progress.

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Mark RabyWith more than 10 years as a professional writer, Mark Raby has an undeniable pulse on the latest trends. From the quiet rumors to the breaking news of the day, his eagle eye is always focused on the newest scoop and figuring out how and why the big newsmakers are noteworthy and relevant. He is based in New York City.